BOXING DAY promises more than a few Premiership thrills and it begins with a clash of two big hitters as Hibs travel to Ibrox.
Rangers v Hibernian Tips
The Hibees were the first side to land a punch on Gers this season, netting twice in a 2-2 draw as a run of eight successive clean sheets came to an end for Steven Gerrard’s men.
I cashed in by backing both teams to score that day at Easter Road but that bet is risky here as Hibs have striker Christian Doidge ruled out due to suspension.
The likes of Martin Boyle and Kevin Nisbet could still test Gerrard’s defence though and BTTS is 20/21 at McBookie.
Hibees keeper Ofir Marciano is a doubt due to injury and that could help Gers grab a few goals.
I cashed in by backing over 2.5 Rangers goals last weekend against Motherwell and a repeat here pays 21/20.
Ryan Kent’s numbers have dropped again and the winger has gone eight games without a goal for the league leaders. But he remains a threat and is decent value at 23/10 with Paddy Power for anytime scorer.
Hibs stopper Ryan Porteous has previous against Gers, picking up four yellows and a red in this fixture. That makes him great value for a card at 9/4 with Bet365.
Hamilton v Celtic Tips
Celtic kept just their second clean sheet in 11 games as they eased past Ross County in midweek.
They now travel down the M77 to face a Hamilton side missing several key players so a Hoops win to nil looks the shout at 4/6 with McBookie.
There were five yellows and a red when Celtic last came calling so I fancy over 3.5 cards at evens with the same firm.
Set-pieces could be crucial on the plastic pitch and Christopher Jullien is a good long-odds option for a goal.
The Frenchman is 11/2 with Paddy Power to repeat the goal he scored on the last trip to the Fountain of Youth Stadium.
Aberdeen v St Johnstone Tips
St Johnstone are on a dismal run of six league games without a win and that slump should continue at Aberdeen.
The Dons had to settle for a point at Motherwell in midweek but are in decent form and will be keen to jump above Hibs into third if they slip up at Ibrox.
Aberdeen are 10/11 for a win at McBookie and that’s pretty good value while the odds increase to 21/10 if you back Derek McInnes’ men to be winning at half-time and full-time.
Games between these sides haven’t been thrillers with the last seven meetings all producing under 2.5 goals.
A repeat here pays just 8/15 at McBookie but betting against both teams scoring is a little better at 4/6.
Dundee Utd v Motherwell Tips
Dundee United delivered for me in midweek when they eased to a win over Kilmarnock and Micky Mellon’s men now host Motherwell.
The Tannadice side are 19/10 with McBookie for another win but I’ve a feeling this might end in a stalemate at 12/5 with the same firm.
Lawrence Shankland ended an 11-game drought by netting against Killie and could now go on a run. He is 2/1 with Paddy Power for a goal.
Kilmarnock v Livingston Tips
Livingston have won five in a row under new gaffer David Martindale and face a Killie side on a four-game losing streak.
Livi look overpriced at 17/10 for another win at McBookie but their run has to end sometime so I’m backing under 2.5 goals instead at 8/13.
Ross County v St Mirren Tips
Rock bottom Ross County host St Mirren and I’m on the Buddies at 5/4 with McBookie to pile on the Dingwall pain.
Super Singles
- Ryan Porteous to be carded (9/4, Bet365)
- Over 3.5 cards in Accies v Celtic (Evs, McBookie)
Deadly Double
- Aberdeen
- St Mirren
- (329/100, McBookie)
I'm a sports journalist, football tipster and author from Dundee, who is now working in Glasgow. I've covered games at every level, from Junior football to internationals, and still love football even though it has clearly sold its soul. I've been in football tipping since 2018 with the MFT site.
